Tell me who's right...
 

Hi all you knowledgeable folks,

I've got a 1970 Fastback with no power steering, and I'm trying to figure out what's the best way to give myself improved steering without spending a fortune - I live in a big city, and parking's always an issue here. Steering the Stang, as is, at low speeds, is like doing benchpresses. Sortof.

So I found a guy selling parts from a 1970 Mach 1 that had power steering - I asked him if the parts were compatible with my car, and here's his reply:

"Yes I have some of the items you are looking for. I have a steering box from a power steering Mustang. It has the better ratio and was working fine prior to removal from the car. $125 for the steering box Low mile unit getting hard to find correct units for the 1970 Mustang, for $275 take the whole front steering assembly with the links idler arm and steering arm. The power steering unit is much easier to steer. I would get one on yours since the manual steering is too much effort for parking manouvers. I have the steering linkage for power steering and the power steering
reservoir as well. Aftermarket steering is expensive. a roller idler arm
helps relieve some steering effort. My steering box will reduce the number of turns you require to spin your steering wheel from left to right or lock to lock as they say. I am flexible, if you want the quick ratio box I will sell you that alone. I recommend the whole unit to go to power steering. "

- Now here's the opinion of the gentleman who sold me the car originally...

"That steering box is a power steering unit with a 16 to 1 ratio.You need a box designed for manual steering with a 19 to 1 ratio.I do not suggest you buy that box from this guy,you will end up with the same box and you do not require front end steering parts.It is better to send your box to Rodes for a complete rebuild and a new set of gears.Why buy old used parts when new aftermarket parts are available for a little more money.I do not trust guys selling old original parts unless they have been rebuilt,especially when your safety is at risk."

Opinions, please. A month ago I could barely explain what a camshaft was, so this one is leaving me pretty confused. Any suggestion? What's the best, not overly expensive way for me to get the right type of steering for city parking specific to my car?

Thanks,

Dominic
Montreal, Canada

RE: Tell me who's right...
 

Someone needs to step up here,,, I am unsure as to whether the power steering was integral in 1970, I think it was, if so the first statement makes sense to me, and I don't see any reason to not go with the whole setup as presented....

But I guess I don't know jack about 70 Power steering when it comes right down to it,,,, but I think I know...

Anyone??

RE: Tell me who's right...
 

The power steering design is 'similar' on Mustangs from 1964 to 1970 involving a control valve and a separate ram. In 1971, Ford used a different system with all the mechanism included inthe steering box. To see what you need, go to the National Parts Depot website http://www.npdlink.com/and take a look at the pictures.
Jim

RE: Tell me who's right...
 

See,,, I told you I didn't know jack about 1970 Ford power steering,,, :D:DDamn,, I would have thought that Ford would have been using an integral unit by this time,,,,

RE: Tell me who's right...
 

What, and spoil their 'stoggy'image?
Jim

RE: Tell me who's right...
 

:D:D:D

RE: Tell me who's right...
 

Ummm... I still don't have a clue as to whose opinion I should take in regards to my steering issue. Should I buy the entire assembly from the first guy, or should I just order a new aftermarket roller idler arm or something of the sort?

RE: Tell me who's right...
 

Something does not ring true here. A typical power steering box has about a 16:1 ratio and a manual box, 19:1. So why is the opposite stated here? It seem that the seller of the power steering system has it right, and the owner is - well, screw up.
Buy the stuff, all of it. And don't be surprised if you need some more items and some major rebuilds.
Jim

RE: Tell me who's right...
 

Just make sure it did come off ofa 70 because the 69's look the same but they are not.The 70 had a "beefed up" power steering system.The drag link and tie rod ends on a 70 are larger in diameter than the 69's and have a larger hole in them where the slave cylinder bolts on.I ran into this when I rebuilt my steering system.Unfortunatly no one makes the larger diameter drag links.If you go this route be sure to get the drag link as you will not be able to find a new one
hope this helps
Jeff

RE: Tell me who's right...
 

I just upgraded my '67 Coupe from manual to power steering. I bought a complete kit from www.chockostang.com. The kit cost me $800+, I think. My kit included power steering pump, idler arm, power ram,tie rods, steering box and pitman arm. The only thing I had to buy was a fan belt and fluid. If you're looking for original equipment and want new/rebuilt stuff, check him out.

If the parts you're looking at aren't worn out, then I think that's a great deal.

Mymanual steering box was 5.5 turns, lock to lock. My kit came with a quicker-ratio steering box that is 4.5 turns lock to lock.

www.steeroids.com has a rack-and-pinion conversion that is 2.5 turns lock to lock. their kit is $1400+, but I'd bet they say the handling is improved dramatically.